Ah, the good old policies
Today the Presbyterian Washington Office sent out the Witness in Washington Weekly e-mail newsletter. One of the articles read:
However, let me add just three brief comments:
That's a good statement. It's not as if the church and our religious convictions were meant to be in a totally different sphere than all those political things that do bode well or ill for the welfare of the people. We Reformed Christians believe in engagement in the world, not retreat or isolation.Elections Season- ‘The Principle of Church and State’
The principle of "separation of Church and State" implies that no Christian communion should seek privilege or power denied to others. On the other hand, this principle does not mean that churches should keep silent on, or be unconcerned about political issues. If the purpose of "politics" is to promote the good of the community and the nation, then churches should seek to be an influence in political life. . . . . . . all judicatories and local congregations have the right and duty to discuss social issues which may be called "controversial." (1955 Statement-PCUSA, minutes, p. 216)
However, let me add just three brief comments:
- It's one thing to "discuss social issues which may be called 'controversial,'" and another thing altogether to produce outlandish decree after decree on one issue after another. We Reformed Christians would be wiser to discuss things together than to be spewing half-baked ideas on topics to which we have given scant thought and brief attention--topics on which there is no agreement among Presbyterians, nor special expertise, for that matter.
- This article from the Washington Office fails to make a crucial distinction between speaking out on ISSUES (which is absolutely legitimate for a church, unless it becomes a substantial activity eclipsing the charitable purpose of the nonprofit corporation) and supporting or opposing particular CANDIDATES for office (which is strictly forbidden and a sure route to difficulties with the IRS).
- As long as the Washington Office is hauling out policies more than fifty years old, let's invite it to show us what our Presbyterian Church's policy on ABORTION was at the time. The funny thing is that on the particular issue of abortion, the Washington Office just seems to get selective amnesia about our historic policy, which was rightfully and firmly opposed to abortion for the life of the church, up until recently, when we lost our bearings.
posted by Jim at Tuesday, September 19, 2006
3 Comments:
An Episcopal church is is hot water over this issue:
Collision Course
I read his sermon, which seems at first glance to criticize both candidates.
On the other hand, like many Epicopal churches, they're looking for wider pulpits:
"He suggested that if the IRS was successful in its efforts against All Saints, it would inhibit religious groups across the country from commenting on issues as varied as the "unjust war in Iraq, violations of the Geneva Convention, bigotry based on sexual orientation, genocide in Darfur" and other politically charged topics.
One out of 4 isn't too bad.
I once wrote a piece in my own blog that described the Washington Office as an unregistered PAC. The worst part is that their pronouncements sometimes cross the line from foolish blather to outright lies (as when the director misrepresented the GA's position on the Federal Marriage Amendment).
We're reminded again of how some people distort the Bible to their own aims. That vile preacher from Kansas wanted to go to the Pennsylvania funerals.
With all his rhetoric, isn't there a case for taking a close look at their tax-exempt status? Free speech is one thing, but he crosses the line almost daily.
I also submit that there's no "fine line" between what he does and any church speaking out on social issues.
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